For active students, sports is one of the best ways to maintain physical and mental health. However, we often ignore the important steps before and after sports, which are warming and cooling. Why are these two so important? Let's review.
Warming is a first step that must not be missed. By warming up, our bodies will prepare for more intense activity. The process increases blood flow to muscle, which helps to warm the body and increase flexibility. When muscles are more elastic, the risk of injury, like a sprain or a muscle ripple, can be minimized.
Besides, warming also functions to improve mental focus. When you prepare yourself physically, you also signal the brain that it's time to exercise. Doing dynamic movements like jogging light, streaming, or mobility exercises for 5-10 minutes is enough to prepare your body.
After exercising, don't rush to leave the arena. Cooling is just as important as warming. This process helps the body return to its normal state gradually. When we exercise, heart rate and body temperature increases. The cooling helps lower the heart rate and restore blood circulation to its original state.
By cooling down, you also help prevent muscle pain that often appears after exercising. Stretching static and slow motion for 5-10 minutes after exercising will help relax the muscles and reduce tension.
Ignoring warming and cooling can be fatal, like injuries forcing you to take a long break from physical activity. For students who are often busy, time is a valuable asset. Therefore, taking a moment to warm up and cool off is a small investment that can produce huge results in health care and performance.
So, before you step into the field or the gym, remember to start and end your sports sessions with warming and cooling. Your body will thank you!
